School Holiday Art Workshops with Sharyn and James Egan

Create, listen and connect through Aboriginal art on Wadjemup / Rottnest Island.

Join Aboriginal artists Sharyn and James Egan for two days of hands-on workshops and cultural storytelling at the Wadjemup Museum. 

Enjoy an all-ages weaving workshop led by renowned Noongar artist Sharyn Egan, where participants will learn to sculpt and create small animal totems using raffia and coloured wool. Through hands-on making, Sharyn will share Noongar cultural stories, practices, and knowledge, exploring how totems represent connections to animals, the environment, and community. Participants will create their own woven totem animal while gaining insight into the cultural significance of these symbolic objects.

Later that day, hear Sharyn discuss her creative practice and the cultural stories behind her works during an informal artist talk inside the museum. 

On the second day, Sharyn and James will guide two interactive painting workshops. Pick up a paint pen, experiment with colour and create your own artwork on a small canvas to take home. The workshops welcome all artistic abilities, so no previous experience is needed. 

The program draws inspiration from Connections to Wadjemup, an exhibition featuring more than 50 Aboriginal artworks from across Western Australia. Works by Sharyn and James are included in the exhibition, inviting visitors to learn through making, listening and reflection. 

Sessions are free to attend, however registration is essential as places are limited.